Varicella (Chicken Pox) Titer FAQ

What is a Varicella (chickenpox) titer?

A Varicella titer is a blood test that checks for immunity to Varicella, also known as Chickenpox, by measuring the Varicella IgG antibody level.

Why might I already be immune to Varicella?

People who have either been vaccinated with the vaccine or have had the chickenpox disease previously might already be immune.

Who gets the Varicella titer?

This titer is typically ordered by healthcare workers for school or work requirements. Additionally, some people get this blood test just to check if they are immune to the chicken pox based on prior vaccination or exposure.

What type of lab results will I receive?

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means that your immune system is producing an adequate level of antibodies to Varicella and that you do not have to be revaccinated with the Varicella vaccine.

What does a negative result mean?

If your result comes back negative, it means that your immune system is not producing an adequate level of Varicella antibodies to be considered adequately protected against the infection. In the case of a negative Varicella blood titer, it is typically recommended that you receive the vaccine.

More About the Chickenpox Blood Test

In most cases, people who need to demonstrate immunity through a Varicella titer will be studying or working in a healthcare setting. In this type of setting, there is an increased risk of being exposed to someone who has an active form of the varicella-zoster virus in their body (e.g. someone with the chickenpox). Schools and healthcare facilities are often required to make sure that anyone stepping into a healthcare setting has demonstrated immunity ahead of time through the blood test in the event of an inadvertent exposure.

The actual Varicella blood antibody measured to check for immunity is the Varicella IgG, or Immunoglobulin G, antibody level. Typically, a Varicella IgG titer level greater than or equal to 1.10 means that one is immune to Varicella.

A Varicella vaccine is a weakened live version of the actual varicella-zoster virus (sometimes known as just VZV which is why the titer is sometimes known as a VZV titer) and is typically recommended after a negative Varicella titer result. The vaccine gives the recipient a very mild form of the chickenpox (usually without symptoms) and this serves as a way to expose the immune system to the infection. From this mild vaccine-induced illness, the immune system can develop and store a memory of the varicella-zoster virus and, if exposed in the future, can mount a powerful antibody response to protect the body.

At Accesa Labs, we work with lab locations nationwide to offer the Varicella titer test (chickenpox titer). The labs that offer the chicken pox test are the same labs used by licensed medical providers throughout the US. The affordable cost of our tests, all-inclusive pricing and our strong guarantee to our customers are important considerations in deciding where to get tested.

Although considered a lesser infection in the past, the symptoms of chickenpox can be significant. Classic symptoms are blisters filled with fluid that cover the body in addition to fatigue, nausea, and fevers. After one week, blisters from the chicken pox form scabs and eventually heal. Our chickenpox blood test can be helpful in identifying a current or past infection.